"When a man or woman is unable to finish a class because he or she is fulfilling a commitment to our country, it should be clearly indicated on the student’s transcript," said Pa. Rep. Mark Gillen, R-Berks County, who introduced the bill. "The same should hold true for the spouses of military personnel."

The law will require educational institutions to place an "M" or the word "military" on the transcript of military members or their spouses if they are unable to complete a course due to military service.

Previously, they would receive a "W" on their transcript to signal they withdrew from the class, Gillen said.

"There is a significant difference between simply withdrawing from a class and having to leave the class due to military commitments," said Gillen, who serves as secretary of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. "This new specification will ensure military personnel or their spouses who want to further their education will not be unfairly penalized."

The new act also creates a heroic service website that will contain a searchable database of individuals who have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, the Air Force Cross and the Silver Star.

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